Empire Creator Lee Daniels who cast Howard as the prolific and much-loved and much-hated role of Lucious Lyon has a whole different take on many who decry Howard’s continuous celebration as a celebrity. According to The Grio, Daniels said the following:

“That poor boy. [Terrence] ain’t done nothing different than Marlon Brando or Sean Penn, and all of a sudden he’s some f***in’ demon,” Daniels said. “That’s a sign of the time, of race, of where we are right now in America.”

It sounds like Daniels wants a pass to be given to Howard because he hasn’t done anything different from White male celebrities. Indeed the public shaming and condemnation should apply to all, but since when are we giving passes to people for domestic abuse? I’m sure Howard’s alleged victims would like some sympathy too.